Social Dynamics

Social Dynamics is the ongoing analysis of social systems and behavior.

Social dynamics, or more specifically situational dynamics in social systems is not a new area of study. What is surprising to some is the proliferation of its influence on multi-disciplinary studies of living social systems.

In a recent content analysis, Sociologists, Ethnologists, Economists, Social Psychologists, Criminologists, Anthropologists and (given our expanded knowledge of complex social interactions among animals and insects), Biologists are utilizing situational dynamics in their studies of systems and behavior.

Social dynamics originated in the Social Sciences. Social Psychology at its simplest definitive level may be what writers at Trinity University define as involving: “…the ways in which both social and mental processes determine action.” http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/socpsy.html

Situational dynamics is more complex. It may have started with W. I. Thomas’ definition of a situation: (1928) “If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.” (Pages 571-572) [W.I Thomas and D.S. Thomas. (1928). The Child in America: Behavior Problems and Programs. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.] [W.I. Thomas, The Unadjusted Girl . Boston: Little, Brown, and Co., 1923.]

The Dictionary of Terms and Terminology of Sociology defines a definition of a situation as: “The determination of status and roles relevant in a social situation.” http://www.iversonsoftware.com/sociology/sociology-index.htm

Professor Conway of Texas A&M University may have the best definition. He pulls from W.I. Thomas and integrates many modern theories to amend Mr. Thomas’ earlier work: “If you (or a group)* define a situation as real, it is real to you (them)* in its consequences. However, your (their)* definition of a situation may be influenced by how others perceive the same situation.” (1980) [Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas Lecture.] *(group, them and their italics, mine. – H.W. Clihor)

This is the basis upon which Social dynamism functions. Situations determine action based on complex social, biological and psychological processes. Stanley Milgram, Leon Festinger, www.propaganda101.com/cognitiv.htm, et al, have spent their careers studying these interactions. Now a host of other theorists in many disciplines have joined them.

See just a few examples:

• COGNITIVE DISSONANCE IN POST-SOVIET RUSSIANS. MIRONENKO, Irina A.; Humanitarian University of TU, St. Petersburg, Russia.
• Mermaids and Ethics: The Role of Women in Organisations. Eva E Tsahuridu. Edith Cowan University, Faculty of Business & Public Management Pearson Street, Churchlands, Western Australia 6018
• THE JOURNAL OF JAPANESE STUDIES Abstract Takeyuki Tsuda The Stigma of Ethnic Difference: The Structure of Prejudice and "Discrimination" toward Japan's New Immigrant Minority, Volume 24, Number 2 (Summer 1998)
• Jill Harries, Law and Empire in Late Antiquity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. Pp. ix, 235. ISBN 0-521-41087-8 (amazon.com, search) Reviewed by Charles Pazdernik, Emory University] [Drs. Thomas Petee and Janice Wittekind of Auburn University presented a talk called, "Mass Murder in America: Copycat Effects and Other Situational Dynamics."]
• Scientifically Dissecting Violence Canela-Cacho, MacCoun? Are Part of an International, Interdisciplinary Consortium to Develop Theories on Violence by Fernando Quintero. Copyright 1996, The Regents of the University of California. Produced and maintained by the Office of Public Affairs at UC Berkely.
• CRIME PROFILES The Anatomy of Dangerous Persons, Places, and Situations Second Edition Terance D. Miethe, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Richard C. McCorkle?, University of Nevada, Las Vegas ISBN 1-891487-54-X (amazon.com, search)]

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